Ministry of Education
Sikkim University celebrates Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav valedictory function ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’
Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh called upon all citizens to follow the clarion call of PM to make India the third largest global economy in the next five years
The valedictory function of Sikkim University's celebration of the "Meri Maati Mera Desh, Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" in collaboration with Vidya Bharati Sikkim and Sikkim Vir Gorkha Ex-Servicemen Welfare association held today in Chintan Bhawan, Gangtok.
Union Minister of State for Education and External Affairs Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh along with esteemed dignitaries and guests attended the program. The event marked the culmination of the 2.5-year-long celebration of India's 75 years of Independence and the launch of the nation's next phase, the "Amrit Kaal".
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Singh highlighted the significance of the "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav", a celebration aimed to commemorate India's achievements and progress over the past 75 years since gaining Independence from British colonial rule in 1947 and also pursued to shed light on unsung heroes of the freedom struggle and give them their due recognition. He also acknowledged that despite months of research, many heroes might remain undiscovered, but the effort itself was vital.
With the conclusion of the "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" and the commencement of the next phase, the "Amrit Kaal", the minister called upon all citizens to safeguard India's independence and promote its cultural values, scientific advancements, trade, education, and traditional knowledge systems. He highlighted the goal set by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for India to become the world's third-largest economy in the next five years, urging unity, determination, environmental consciousness, and corruption-free practices to achieve this aspiration.
Dr. Singh expressed deep respect and gratitude towards India's armed forces, which have safeguarded the nation's borders even in the face of numerous threats. He emphasized the importance of remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice and praised the bravery of soldiers and their families.
Providing a comprehensive overview, Dr. Sanjay Garg, Deputy Director, OSD-AKAM at the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, guided the audience through the AKAM website. He recounted the tales of India's unsung heroes during the Freedom Struggle, also shedding light on the hurdles encountered while gathering these artifacts, many of which were intentionally obliterated by the British during their colonial reign.
In his address, Brig. Dhananjai Palsokar, Deputy General Officer Commanding 17 Mountain Division and recipient of the Sena Medal, expressed profound respect for the soldiers and their families who made the supreme sacrifice for our Maati and our Desh.
Dr. Avinash Khare, Vice Chancellor, Sikkim University in his address shared that the institution stands uniquely as the world's sole university to provide educational programs up to the doctoral level in Bhutia, Lepcha, and Limboo languages.
During the event, Union MoS administered the Panch Pran Pledge to the audience and also honoured the Veer Naris, family of the brave-hearts, who made the ultimate sacrifice, veterans and serving soldiers who have made the nation proud on various occasions